#323: Bye, Awkward Side Hugs! Getting Over Our Fear of Opposite-Sex Friendships

Was Jesus a bit aloof with Martha and Mary because He didn’t want them to think there was, you know, “chemistry”? Did He give Mary Magdalene side hugs? We don’t actually know the answers to these questions, of course, but if we look at the way Jesus had intimate interactions with both men and women in the Gospels, we think not.  In our churches, however, we’ve become so uncomfortable with our bodies, with sexuality, and with male/female relationships, it’s almost like we don’t know how to be friends with the opposite sex at all—especially if you’re married! In this episode, Juli talks with author Bronwyn Lea about getting over our fear and awkwardness and teaching men and women how to build intimate, non-romantic, and life-giving relationships. Guest: Bronwyn Lea Show notes: Beyond Awkward Side Hugs; Living as Christian Brothers and Sisters in a Sex-Crazed World* Rethinking Sexuality *This is an Amazon affiliate link; AI may earn referral fees from qualifying purchases.